The last speaker who had his words taken down is believed to be Tip O’Neill, the legendary Democrat from Massachusetts. That happened in 1984, when Representative Newt Gingrich, the firebrand Georgia Republican (and future speaker), baited Mr. O’Neill into attacking him. “They’re four people,” Ms. Pelosi said, “and that’s how many votes they got.”That created a predictable furor, prompting a spate of “Democrats in disarray” coverage about liberals who defended the women, and centrists defending Ms. Pelosi. “Yes, I am a proud naturalized citizen born in India, a proud patriot,” she thundered on the House floor. While Democrats voted unanimously in favor of the condemnation resolution, it will be worth watching how the vote goes over in these Democrats’ home districts.

Source: New York Times July 17, 2019 02:15 UTC